Translation guide
The English word "awkward" covers a wide range of situations, from physical clumsiness to social discomfort. Japanese expresses these nuances with different words and phrases depending on the context.
Describing a situation, atmosphere, or interaction that feels strained, embarrassing, or uneasy.
The most common and direct equivalent for an awkward social atmosphere or feeling between people. Often used for silences or situations where people feel uncomfortable.
An awkward silence continued.
It's awkward to see him.
Literally "the feeling of being in a place is bad." Used when you feel uncomfortable or out of place in a social setting.
That party was awkward.
Feeling awkward or embarrassed due to a specific mistake or social misstep. Similar to "feeling sheepish."
I got his name wrong and felt awkward.
Slangy, often used by younger people to describe a situation that is awkward, not quite right, or hard to react to. Can sound dismissive.
That joke was awkward.
Describing a person or movement that lacks coordination or grace.
Clumsy with one's hands or body. Can also be used for social clumsiness (e.g.,不善言辞).
He is awkward and often drops things.
Stiff, unnatural, lacking smoothness in movement or speech. Often used for someone's manner or a performance.
A colloquial noun/na-adjective for a clumsy mistake or a clumsy person. Often used self-deprecatingly.
Describing an object that is hard to carry, hold, or use because of its shape, size, or design.
Hard to handle or manage. General term for unwieldy objects or difficult people/situations.
This box is big and awkward to carry.
Specifically hard to hold or carry because of shape or weight distribution.
This shape is awkward to hold.
Hard to use; not user-friendly. Common for tools, interfaces, or systems.
This app is awkward to use.
Describing a time or circumstance that is inconvenient or ill-suited.
Describing a question or subject that is difficult or embarrassing to address.
気まずい focuses on the strained relationship or atmosphere between people, often due to a specific event. 居心地が悪い is more about your personal feeling of not fitting in or being uncomfortable in a place or group, without necessarily blaming a particular incident.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'awkward.' Using the wrong word can make your Japanese sound unnatural. Always consider the specific type of awkwardness you want to express.
His movements are still awkward.
I did it again, I'm so awkward/clumsy.
間が悪くて、二人のけんかに居合わせた。
With awkward timing, I was there when they had a fight.
It's an awkward topic, so better not to bring it up.